Charles Tillman says his deep roots as a philanthropist in Chicago did not affect his decision to re-sign with the Bears this offseason. Staying here, though, has allowed him to maintain his momentum in the community, as evidenced by the third annual Charles Tillman’s Celebrity Pro BOWLer Tournament, which he hosted Thursday night at Kings in Rosemont.

“We have done a lot of good, trying to get the message out there, trying to get money for the families that we’re helping,” Tillman said. “We have been blessed with the support of the Chicago community.”

According to organizers, the event in its first two years raised more than $320,000 for Tillman’s Cornerstone Foundation, the mission of which is to provide opportunities and resources to underprivileged children and their families.

“Just to be able to help out and see what he’s doing is a great thing,” Frey said.

Tillman won the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in February, recognizing his combination of accomplishments on the field and in the community.

On March 14, he re-signed with the Bears on a one-year, contract that could be worth up to $3.4 million. Six days earlier, he hosted the Peanunt Tillman 5K Run/Walk downtown to help benefit his foundation.

“Our foundation has taken off in ways I could never have imagined,” Tillman said. “The sky is the limit for us. I think we’re doing some good things.”